HostMonster, a well-established name in the web hosting industry, is a subsidiary of Newfold Digital. This company has been delivering web hosting solutions for a significant period and offers a variety of hosting services. These include shared hosting, VPS (Virtual Private Server), and Managed hosting solutions. As with its sister companies Bluehost and JustHost, HostMonster’s services are accessible through its data center located in Provo, Utah. This review delves into the specifics of HostMonster’s offerings, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

HostMonster Pricing and Plans

Detailed Plan Breakdown

HostMonster provides four primary shared hosting plans, each catering to different needs:

• Basic Plan: Designed for individuals or small businesses requiring a single website.
  • Initial Price: $2.95/month
  • Renewal Price: $12.99/month
  • Websites: 1
  • Storage: 50 GB
  • Bandwidth: Unmetered
  • Free Domain Name: 1 year
  • Free SSL: Included
• Plus Plan: Ideal for users needing multiple websites and increased storage.
  • Initial Price: $5.45/month
  • Renewal Price: $17.99/month
  • Websites: Unlimited
  • Storage: Unlimited
  • Bandwidth: Unmetered
  • Free Domain Name: 1 year
  • Free SSL: Included
• Choice Plus Plan: Includes additional features for more advanced users.
  • Initial Price: $5.45/month
  • Renewal Price: $19.99/month
  • Websites: Unlimited
  • Storage: Unlimited
  • Bandwidth: Unmetered
  • Free Domain Name: 1 year
  • Free SSL: Included
  • Daily Backups: Included
• Go PRO Plan: Premium option with enhanced features.
  • Initial Price: $13.95/month
  • Renewal Price: $33.99/month
  • Websites: Unlimited
  • Storage: Unlimited
  • Bandwidth: Unmetered
  • Free Domain Name: 1 year
  • Free SSL: Included
  • Dedicated IP: Included
  • Daily Backups: Included

Pricing Structure

HostMonster’s pricing is competitive for the first year but tends to increase significantly upon renewal. The standard pricing structure is based on a 12 or 36-month commitment, with initial discounts making the entry price appealing. However, the renewal rates can be quite steep, particularly for the Basic plan, which sees a considerable increase from $2.95 to $12.99 per month.

Key Features of HostMonster

Backend Interface

HostMonster utilizes cPanel for managing hosting accounts. This industry-standard interface simplifies website management tasks such as domain handling, email setup, and file management. The integration of billing and profile settings within cPanel is streamlined and user-friendly. Despite a somewhat outdated color scheme, the backend remains straightforward, reducing complexity and avoiding unnecessary upsells.

Application Installation

HostMonster offers a straightforward application installation process through MOJO Marketplace. This integration facilitates easy one-click installations for various apps, including WordPress. Although MOJO Marketplace includes some ads, it provides a robust selection of themes and plugins, enhancing the overall user experience.

Customer Support

HostMonster offers multiple support channels including 24/7 live chat, phone support, email, and a knowledge base. However, the effectiveness of these resources can be inconsistent. Issues such as a poorly maintained knowledge base and a frequently malfunctioning user forum detract from the overall support experience.

Comparative Analysis

HostMonster vs. Bluehost

Both HostMonster and Bluehost are owned by Newfold Digital and share the same data center. However, Bluehost is often preferred due to its more modern design and extensive feature set. Bluehost generally provides better overall value, particularly in terms of pricing and performance.

HostMonster vs. HostGator

HostGator, another sister brand of HostMonster, offers more affordable plans with similar features. HostGator’s pricing is generally more competitive, and it provides better value for those seeking flexibility in billing options.

HostMonster vs. InMotion Hosting

InMotion Hosting, an independent competitor, offers superior performance, better pricing, and more comprehensive support compared to HostMonster. For those prioritizing performance and customer service, InMotion Hosting is a compelling alternative.

Performance and Reliability

Uptime and Speed

HostMonster boasts a solid uptime record of 99.93% over the past six months. However, the performance of their servers, measured by Time To First Byte (TTFB), has shown to be underwhelming. Slow server response times can negatively impact website loading speeds, which may affect user experience and search engine rankings.

Conclusion

In summary, while HostMonster provides a range of hosting options and features, its overall value is undermined by high renewal rates and mediocre performance. For those seeking better value and performance, exploring alternatives such as Bluehost, HostGator, or InMotion Hosting may be more beneficial. HostMonster remains a viable option for users with basic needs but may not offer the best long-term benefits when compared to its competitors.

FAQs

What is HostMonster?

HostMonster is a web hosting company providing services for websites, email, and digital storage. It is a subsidiary of Newfold Digital.

Who owns HostMonster?

HostMonster is owned by Newfold Digital, a prominent web services company that also owns Bluehost and HostGator.

Where are HostMonster’s servers located?

HostMonster’s servers are located in Provo, Utah, within the same facilities as Bluehost and other Newfold Digital brands.

Does HostMonster use cPanel?

Yes, HostMonster uses cPanel for managing hosting accounts, which is a widely recognized and user-friendly control panel.